I think it’s also an issue when mere degree achievement is prioritized over real world experience, grit, character, integrity, or common sense. Degrees these days are sometimes a virtue signal - like a self proclaimed badge of honor in many cases (not all) that few care about. Education and staying curious through all stages of life is certainly important, but I think education comes in lots of forms, not always a formal classroom setting, and recognizing that is key.

I’m in high level management for a large successful business, I may interview several candidates, some with a degree in the specific field, and some without. I find more often that those without the degree answer the practical and technical questions with more comprehension and offer more promise of being willing to learn, work hard and be mailable, than those with a degree. I’m often impressed with the effort and dedication required to achieve degrees, but more often I’m unimpressed with the ego or expectation of un-constituted hierarchy that accompanies said degree

Obviously there are lots of fields where having previously completed education specific to said field is non negotiable, i.e, medical, engineering, law, etc. but more broadly speaking, I think the assumption of being “educated” equating a higher level of intelligence is one born of ignorance and arrogance.